Increase In BISP Cash Support to PKR 14500
Increase In BISP Cash Support to PKR 14,500: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed satisfaction over the recent increase in the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) budget and urged further expansion of cash support for Pakistan’s most vulnerable families. The IMF highlighted the need to raise the unconditional cash assistance under the Benazir Income Support Programme from PKR 13,500 to PKR 14,500 to maintain the purchasing power of beneficiaries amid rising inflation. This increase also aims to ensure that more families can benefit from the programme, with coverage expected to reach 10.2 million families by the end of fiscal year 2026. (Source: ARY News)
This budget enhancement reflects the government’s focus on strengthening social protection mechanisms and supporting low-income households. In addition to the cash increase, the IMF has recommended that benefits be adjusted regularly according to inflation and future household surveys to maintain their real value. These measures aim to ensure that financial assistance meets the growing needs of eligible families and helps them manage their essential expenses.
Reason for Payment Increase
The first reason is inflation and rising cost of living. Beneficiaries rely heavily on BISP assistance for food, education, health, and basic household expenses. As prices increase, the existing stipend of PKR 13,500 per quarter is insufficient to cover basic needs.
Secondly, the IMF and government aim to improve the coverage and impact of social protection programs. By increasing the stipend and expanding the programme, more families can meet their daily expenses, reducing poverty and economic vulnerability. The budget for social protection programmes under BISP has been increased by 20 percent, allowing this increase in cash assistance.
Eligibility for BISP Assistance
BISP targets low-income and vulnerable households across Pakistan. Eligibility criteria include:
- Families living below the poverty line
- Households registered with the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER)
- Senior citizens above 60 years
- Pregnant and lactating women in need of support
- Deserving students under programs like Benazir Taleemi Wazaif
It is important to note that BISP prioritizes families who are most in need and ensures that assistance reaches them directly. The program is designed to help families in urban and rural areas alike, with a focus on reducing poverty, improving health and nutrition, and supporting education for children.
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Impact of Increased Cash Assistance
The increase to PKR 14,500 per quarter will significantly improve the financial situation of beneficiary households. This additional support will help families manage rising costs of food, healthcare, transportation, and education.
Moreover, the expansion of coverage by 200,000 families means that more vulnerable households will be included in the programme, bringing the total to 10.2 million families by 2026. This expansion ensures that social protection reaches underserved areas and maximizes the positive impact on poverty reduction.
Key Points of IMF Recommendations
Before bullet points, it is important to highlight that the IMF’s recommendations focus not only on increasing cash support but also on expanding program coverage and ensuring long-term effectiveness.
- Increase unconditional cash transfers from PKR 13,500 to PKR 14,500
- Expand beneficiary coverage by at least 200,000 families
- Adjust benefits regularly according to inflation
- Use 2026 household survey data to refine future support
- Expand coverage of conditional cash transfer programmes
- Ensure effective utilization of the increased budget
After the bullet points, it is clear that these measures aim to strengthen BISP, improve social protection delivery, and enhance the livelihoods of low-income families.
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BISP Cash Assistance and Coverage Details
The following table provides a clear overview of the key changes in BISP’s cash support, coverage, and budget allocation. These updates reflect the IMF’s recommendations and the government’s efforts to strengthen social protection for vulnerable families.
| Program Feature | Current / Proposed |
|---|---|
| Quarterly cash support | PKR 13,500 |
| New quarterly cash support | PKR 14,500 |
| Coverage increase | +200,000 families |
| Total projected beneficiaries by FY26 | 10.2 million families |
| BISP budget increase | 20% |
This provides a clear snapshot of the key changes in cash support, coverage, and budget allocation under the IMF recommendations.
How Families Benefit from Increased Support
The additional cash will allow families to afford essential needs such as food, healthcare, and education. It is especially beneficial for families in rural areas and low-income urban households who rely heavily on government support.
By expanding coverage and increasing the stipend, BISP strengthens Pakistan’s social safety net and ensures that support reaches the most deserving households. Families can now plan for their basic needs with more certainty and stability.
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Implementation Considerations
Effective implementation requires strong administrative systems and monitoring to ensure that funds reach eligible households without delays or misuse. Periodic surveys and inflation-linked adjustments will be essential to maintain the relevance and adequacy of support.
Transparent allocation and oversight will also help build trust among beneficiaries and improve the overall efficiency of BISP’s assistance programs.
FAQs
What is the new cash support amount under BISP?
The stipend has been increased from PKR 13,500 to PKR 14,500 per quarter.
Who is eligible for BISP assistance?
Low-income households, senior citizens, pregnant and lactating women, and deserving students are eligible.
How will the new amount help families?
It will help cover essential expenses such as food, healthcare, education, and daily household needs.
How many families will benefit after the expansion?
An additional 200,000 families will be included, bringing the total to 10.2 million.
Will benefits be adjusted for inflation?
Yes, benefits will be regularly adjusted based on inflation and household survey data to maintain their real value.
Conclusion
The IMF’s recommendation to increase BISP cash support to PKR 14,500 and expand coverage to 10.2 million families by 2026 is a major step in strengthening Pakistan’s social protection framework. This initiative will improve the livelihoods of millions of low-income families and enhance financial security.
By combining cash assistance increases, program expansion, and inflation-linked adjustments, BISP is now better equipped to meet the needs of Pakistan’s most vulnerable populations, ensuring social and economic stability for years to come.